Former DPS accountant, teacher convicted in fraud scheme

Aug. 5, 2013

Written by

Detroit Free Press Staff Writer

A former Detroit Public Schools accountant and her daughter, a teacher in the district, were convicted today of charges related to a fraudulent book program, federal authorities said.

Sandra Campbell, 57, and Domonique Campbell, 38, bilked DPS out of more than $530,000 between 2004 and 2008 through a scheme that involved orders for books and educational materials that were placed with the Campbells’ sham company, according to the office of U.S. Attorney Barbara McQuade. The materials were never provided to the district.

Authorities alleged the pair conspired to launder the proceeds from the scheme and did not report the money they stole as income on their tax returns.

After deliberating for an hour and a half at the end of a 5-week trial, a jury convicted the Campbells of program fraud conspiracy, money laundering conspiracy and tax charges, McQuade’s office said.

Sandra Campbell was a contract accountant for the district and a former school board candidate. Domonique Campbell was a special education teacher.